My Father-In-Law

[Manitou]

Was a great guy and a lifelong friend. He apparently only purchased Mitchell reels.
I acquired all of his equipment after he passed away,(several years gone by) and recently got around to taking a serious look at it.
He had four Garcia Mitchell 308 reels for Pennsylvania trout fishing. Two of them had the foot altered to fit what ever rod he was using. I do not believe they are very old and most probably are from the 1970's. The only one that I could read the serial number on was 118212.

There was also a GM 400 in Midnight blue with an extra spool in the spool case. It appears to never have been fished. Serial number 4184137.

Also found was a GM 307 (LH) with serial number 595339. This also has an extra spool but no case for the spool. This reel does appear to have been fished lightly and has the usual wear of a well taken care of reel.

Lastly, there was a Mitchell Salt Water reel serial number A02003. this reel has a half bail, and is in very good shape for a salt water reel.

[Manitou]

Garcia Mitchell 308

mitchell308.jpg (117.3 KiB) Viewed 6049 times

[Sandman]

Manitou, welcome to the Mitchell Reel Museum. Your Salt Water is an exceptional reel. Glad to answer any questions.

Sandman

[Manitou]

I thought that the serial number was pretty low, but I cant figure out the system too well.
Is it from 49/50?

[Sandman]

Late 1954. Salt Water half-bale serial numbers range from about A1000 - A4000. So only 3K produced, or so. I've recorded about 20 and don't believe I've ever seen one is as nice of condition as yours. Commonly, they have a modified foot and significant paint loss. I surmise that not many remain, due to low production, age and salt water use. You have a highly collectible Mitchell.

Sandman

[Sandman]

The 308 with SN 118212 is from 1961. Third year of production for that model. Considered a second version with some desirable early parts.

Sandman

[Manitou]

Thanks for you knowledgeable replies!